The third professional fight between featherweights Gabriel Braga and Jesus Pinedo is set to co-headline PFL 5 this Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee. Braga is entering this trilogy bout with a clear desire for vengeance.
These skilled fighters first clashed in early 2023, with Braga securing a split decision victory. However, Pinedo leveled the score and claimed the 145-pound championship later that year, achieving a third-round stoppage win. They are now scheduled to meet again with a significant prize on the line: a place in the finals of this year’s featherweight tournament. Braga notably brought a high level of intensity to their fight week staredown.
Braga explained that this intense attitude is specifically cultivated for this fight, contrasting it with his approach in their previous encounters. He stated he is focusing on a different kind of preparation – one that is not only physical and technical but also mental. He feels more concentrated and hungrier for this particular challenge.
Braga commented that Pinedo appeared to fight with “more hate” in their November 2023 rematch, and he admits he now holds a similar sentiment.
Expressing readiness to demonstrate this feeling on Thursday, Braga voiced frustration regarding Pinedo`s silence during their faceoff. He highlighted the contrast between Pinedo`s alleged willingness to “talk shit” publicly and his silence when directly facing him. Braga mentioned challenging Pinedo during the staredown, saying, “Hey, you like talking and now you’ll stay quiet? Say something,” but received no response. He concluded by emphasizing his extreme focus and preparedness, confident that he will prove his superiority.
Braga confessed that his TKO loss to Pinedo, the first defeat of his career, was the most emotionally painful due to its connection to the championship title and the million-dollar prize. He credits this loss with significantly helping him “mature” and fueling his drive to pursue championship gold in 2025.
Describing his current approach, Braga stated he is adopting a more aggressive style. While winning is the ultimate goal, he explicitly intends to inflict damage on Pinedo during the fight, declaring a “very aggressive mindset now.” He is determined to avoid leaving the decision in the hands of the judges, planning instead to either dominate every round or finish the fight early if Pinedo cannot withstand the pressure.